1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

[Jerod M.]

1. Regarding refinishing the grills on each front fender, what is the best method of restoration?

Chemical strip and entirely remove all old paint?
Mechanically remove all paint by hand?
Leave the paint and scuff only?

2. What is the best method to paint?

Paint the entire grill then polish the grill front edges by cutting through the paint?

[Edward J.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

Jerod, Chemical strip is the only way, using a fine steel wool helps, before painting use a 1/8 in. masking tape on the grill edges, (also note the JM shows what edges need taped because there are alittle different for 70/71 and 72 has more chrome edges showing).

Use a self ecthing primer to help the paint to adhere. good luck.

[Jerod M.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

Thanks, Edward. I was really hoping you'd say chemical strip...so much easier. I'll get to work!

[Jerod M.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

Just saw another post on this same subject. Is there actually CHROME on these edges, or is it just polished magnesium casting edges?

[Edward J.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

The edges are chrome. so be careful not to scrap the chrome off. a light steel wool will work great.

[Rey S.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

I wonder if the 72's (my car) arehe grilles was done/is weird. Mine are definately chrome and were painted over when the car was repainted (former owner-not my fault) and no masking ohe grilles was down.

[Jerod M.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

Tonight I was able to get it 95% with a toothbrush and chemical stripper. No steel wool or abrasives required yet.

[Jerod M.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

Snag.
Was working today and noticed one of these grills is wrong. Can someone confirm my assumption that the more substantial looking one is the original (Driver's) and the passenger side is an aftermarket?
(Please pardon the mess too)

[Edward J.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

Snag.
Was working today and noticed one of these grills is wrong. Can someone confirm my assumption that the more substantial looking one is the original (Driver's) and the passenger side is an aftermarket?
(Please pardon the mess too)

Jerod, it sure looks like a reproduction, but I have never seen one.

[Warren F.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

Jerod,

In your picture, the grille on the right is the first design casting that is used on all 1970 Corvettes and some early 1971's. The grille on the left is the second design and is used for most of 1971 and all of 1972 production.

If you look closely, the left grille's front surface has a slightly raised lip both horizontal and vertical, this is also seen on your front grilles. The right grille does not and therefore would only have the horizontal raised edge exposed chrome. We would need to know your VIN in order to tell you which style is more likely original to your car.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

Jerod,

In your picture, the grille on the right is the first design casting that is used on all 1970 Corvettes and some early 1971's. The grille on the left is the second design and is used for most of 1971 and all of 1972 production.

If you look closely the left grille's front surface has a slightly raised lip both horizontal and vertical, this is also seen on your front grilles. The right grille does not.

Warren, Is it possible that maybe the early71 cars could have received one early and one late grille?

[Jerod M.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

This is a January car

[Warren F.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

Ed,

It's possible. I've looked at a lot of 1971's over the years I've been involved with Corvettes, in every instance where I've seen early built '71's the side louver grilles were always matched whether first design or second design, however I have seen many early '71's where the front grilles were one of each design.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

I have seen some apparently original 1971s with one each of the side grill styles. I would have to check my notes to see the serial number(s) but they are out there. St Louis didn't sweat these details.

On the other hand, any sign of body damage or even repaint will negate the research value of the side or front grill configuration.

[Warren F.]

Re: 1971 Refinishing Fender Grills

Jerod,

As a January built car its not likely to have had the first design casting for the side louver grilles. In your photo, it appears that the threaded stud is broken off from the casting on the bottom edge of the grille. This is quite common and the reason why most grilles are replaced. That threaded stud holds the grille in position on the car and uses a washer with a crimped on nut that spins freely from the washer but is one unit.

Occassionally these grilles show up on ebay as NOS pieces, they are not as cheap as they used to be. The good news is the second design is easier to acquire used than the first design.